Lithuania Germany France Ukraine | 2016 | Documentary | 96’

Mariupol in eastern Ukraine, at the mouth of the Kalmius into the Sea of ​​Azov. The city, centered on the steel mills, appears calm, but the approaching conflict between pro-Russian rebels and the Ukrainian army is palpable everywhere. A theater company rehearsing a play for Victory Day on May 9th wishes the city not to be taken over for the premiere while they are devotedly rehearsing dance and singing scenes. The shoemaker's daughter practices as a war reporter in front of the camera while her father talks to his customers about his faith at work. And the anglers and fishermen hope, as always, for a good catch. Because even if detonations can be heard all around the city, life goes on, accompanied by the ringing of the bells of the Orthodox Church and the squeaking of the tram.

After the sensitive and moving film "Barzakh" (Panorama 2011), which describes the search for a man who has disappeared in Chechnya, director Mantas Kvedaravicius turns again to a conflict area and observes and accompanies the people there. Everyday life develops its own poetry, which occasionally appears absurd.

The event takes place as part of the cooperation with the Ukrainian Film Festival Berlin and LITAUISCHES KINO GOES BERLIN.